‘Memorable’ rugby season

Press, 16 February 1984, Page 6

‘Memorable’ rugby season

The Canterbury Rugby Union pondered on a season that in the words of the president, Mr M. R. Barnett, “will be long remembered" when it held its annual meeting at Lancaster Park last evening. In his report, Mr Barnett said the 1983 season would be recalled as one of the most memorable and invigorating in the history of the union. “The skills, dedication and enthusiasm of our Canterbury A side in their successful defence of the Ranfurly Shield through nine challenges brought an immense amount of pleasure to, and support from the public at large,” said Mr Barnett.

He later added that the success of the Canterbury side had resulted in a renewed enthusiasm for rugby right through the grades. In speaking to his report, Mr Barnett said that to say the union had had a successful year would be an understatement, and here he was, no doubt, alluding to the record profit of $221,105. He was quick to add, though that the day would come when the Ranfurly Shield would leave Canterbury, but while it was here the union would do all it could, to see that clubs and others associated with the game shared in its riches. “It may be a long time before we see games as good, and a standard of rugby as high, as we enjoyed last year. And I think we should all be grateful to the efforts of the coach, Alex Wyllie, his assistant, Doug Bruce, the captain,

Don Hayes and the very capable and dedicated players who made up the team. "It is their efforts which have put us in the very happy position we are now in,” he said. The only notice of motion, for the sub-unions to have two representatives involved in the appointment of the Canterbury B and Canterbury Colts selectors was passed without dissent, and it was the election of the management committee which held the most interest. The extraordinarily long time it took the scrutineers to count the votes showed how close an election it was and two vacancies which did exist were won by Mr D. L. Frampton, who was nominated by his Hornby club, and Mr M. W. Cooper (by the Ellesmere sub union). Mr Frampton has coached the Hornby senior side in recent years and Mr Cooper is well known in country rugby, being a past-president of both the Ellesmere sub-union and the Canterbury sub-unions’ association. The unsuccessful candidates were Messrs G. P. Wilson, C. D. Burleigh, V. E. Matheson and K. W. Victor. The full list of officers is:— President, Mr M. R. Barnett; vice-presidents, Messrs L. J. Russell, M. R. Inglis and M. C. Sullivan, treasurer, Mr I. F. Allott, management committee, Messrs N. G. Gow, V. C. Thomas, P. E. Robinson, L. W. McFadden, N. P. Blanchfield, A. T. C. Smith, M. G. Sturgeon, D. L. Frampton and M. W. Cooper.